Top Electric Toothbrushes of 2026, Tested by Editors

All items are chosen and evaluated independently by CNN Underscored editors. If you purchase through links on our website, we may receive a...

All items are chosen and evaluated independently by CNN Underscored editors. If you purchase through links on our website, we may receive a commission.Learn more

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This piece is part ofCNN Underscored’s The Resetan editorial collection showcasing all our articles designed to provide you with the information and product suggestions to assist in achieving any and all New Year's resolutions.

Good dental hygiene is essential, and electric toothbrushes can simplify maintaining your oral health. Features like built-in timers, apps, and various brushing settings not only perform more effectively than manual brushes; they also guide you on improving your dental care. There are evenelectric toothbrushes for kidsmeant to instill proper dental hygiene practices from a young age.

To identify the top electric toothbrushes, we evaluated 14 various models and cleaned our teeth (a lot) to experiment with all settings, brush modes, and head types. We also sought advice from multiple dental professionals to determine the most beneficial features. After the three-week testing period, our teeth felt clean, and along the way, we discovered three excellent models that can help you achieve optimal oral care.

Philips Sonicare 4100

Best electric toothbrush

The Philips Sonicare 4100 is an excellent choice to enhance your dental care routine, offering an affordable price, a wide range of features, strong performance, and compatibility with different brush heads from both Philips and other manufacturers. The gentle setting is ideal for those new to advanced brushing techniques.

$49 at Walmart

From $40 at Amazon

$40 at Best Buy Oral-B iO Series 9

Best smart electric toothbrush

The Oral-B iO Series 9 includes more functions and settings than any other electric toothbrush we evaluated, catering to various brushing objectives. It comes with a smart app that delivers useful insights. Although it is more expensive, a 60-day return policy allows you to easily determine if it meets your needs.

From $230 at Amazon

$230 at Walmart

$230 at Best Buy

Philips One by Sonicare

Best electric toothbrush for commuting

The slim, portable Philips One by Sonicare comes with a snug case and provides 30 days of battery life, making it a perfect electric toothbrush for traveling. While it lacks some of the features found in pricier models, it still delivers sufficient functionality to maintain your dental hygiene while on the move.

From $26 at Amazon

$29 at Best Buy

Best electric toothbrush: Philips Sonicare 4100

Wanting to find a top-quality electric toothbrush at a reasonable cost? If that's the case, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is among the finest available. The 4100 has been on the market for a long time, and we discovered it to be just as comfortable, straightforward, and efficient as pricier alternatives, featuring basic yet practical elements like a pressure indicator and timer that significantly enhance the experience compared to standard manual brushes.

Although the Philips Sonicare 4100 doesn't have as many features as some toothbrushes that cost a few hundred dollars, those additional features aren't always necessary. The Philips model provides just one brushing mode, with low and high intensity options. The simple controls allow you to adjust the settings easily while brushing. During testing, the Sonicare 4100 felt very comfortable in our hand, and the brush head (multiple options are available from Philips; we tested with the provided standard heads) was kind to our teeth and gums, accessing difficult areas and leaving our teeth very clean.

A two-minute timer helps you brush for the full duration recommended by most dentists. While brushing, a QuadPacer timer vibrates every 30 seconds, prompting you to switch to a different section of your mouth — ensuring even cleaning of all teeth. You can also pause the toothbrush for up to 30 seconds, and the timer will resume from where it stopped.

One of our most appreciated aspects of the toothbrush — something we didn't encounter with some of the more affordable alternatives — is the pressure sensor. When using an electric toothbrush, the idea is to allow the brush head to do the work instead of scrubbing aggressively. Therefore, during your brushing routine, if you apply excessive force, the Sonicare 4100 will vibrate and a light will blink, alerting you to the issue.Dr. Mark Wolff, a professor of restorative dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the significance of managing brushing pressure because "aggressive brushing may erode the gums and tooth structure, leading to recession and sensitivity to cold."

Every aspect of the Philips product is carefully designed. On the back of the toothbrush, there is a groove that prevents it from rolling, ensuring the brush head remains off the surface when placed flat. Similar to most Philips items, a plastic case is provided to maintain the brush head's cleanliness during storage or while traveling.

For individuals who are just starting with electric toothbrushes, the Phillips 4100 includes an EasyStart function that is enabled by default; this gradually boosts the power over the initial 14 brushings. As electric toothbrushes operate differently from manual ones, this feature helps you — and your teeth — get used to the new brushing experience within a week.

Additional features consist of a brush head replacement alert, a low battery indicator, a 14-day battery duration, and a two-year guarantee. The 4100's charging stand incorporates a USB-A port, although a wall charger is not provided, meaning you will need to provide your own.

Best smart electric toothbrush: Oral-B iO Series 9

The Oral-B iO Series 9 proved to be the top-performing smart toothbrush in our testing, featuring an application that provided reliable and beneficial insights. The device — a stylish metal unit equipped with a vibrant LCD screen — includes seven distinct cleaning modes, more than any other toothbrush we evaluated, as well as all the essential functions, like a clear pressure sensor alert and a two-minute timer (with 30-second pulsing reminders for each quadrant).

The seven modes are daily clean, intense clean, whitening, gum care, sensitive, super sensitive, and tongue clean. Nicole Barbour, a registered dental hygienist working in a practice in Newton, Massachusetts, mentioned that while most of her patients only require a standard mode, the sensitive setting can be helpful for individuals who are more prone to enamel erosion, gum attachment issues, or tooth sensitivity. She also noted that the gum care mode — when used with an appropriate brush head — can assist in eliminating bacteria along the gumline. However, she added that there isn't enough independent research to confirm whether all modes are truly beneficial and surpass the regular standard mode. For most patients, having multiple mode options is not essential.

However, if you are a patient with a particular oral care requirement, this toothbrush enables you to customize your brushing experience through its various settings. Although all brush heads work with each mode, you will achieve the optimal results by buying the Oral-B brush head designed for your chosen mode.

The oscillating brush, which moves back and forth instead of vibrating like the other brushes we evaluated, is significantly quieter compared to other Oral-B toothbrushes in our test group, and we noticed it glided easily from one tooth to the next.Oral-B also claimsThe round brush head vibrates to loosen dental plaque and then moves back and forth while rotating to remove the plaque.

Although it may appear excessive to some, I found the smart features of the Oral-B toothbrush to be beneficial; you can connect your toothbrush to the Oral-B app on your phone, which will assist you during your brushing routine. While brushing, I found it helpful to be directed through each section of my mouth and to observe (through the 3D tracking capability) which areas and surfaces were not adequately cleaned. Using this app, you can either monitor your brushing in real time or analyze your performance at a later time.

On a hectic morning, I often lack the patience to properly concentrate on brushing my teeth, which is why this helped me stay on track, and you might have a similar situation. Barbour mentioned that "most patients tend to brush in a manner that may not effectively remove plaque from all areas, and a smart app can assist them in learning the correct brushing techniques." However, she also added that "focusing too much on the app can be counterproductive if it takes away too much attention."

The application also monitors your total brushing duration and the level of pressure applied during each session. Barbour mentioned that viewing this data can assist a patient in adjusting their brushing techniques as necessary and enhance effectiveness. Wolff concurred, stating that keeping track of your brushing sessions and sharing the history with your dental hygienist will enable them to "provide you with personalized guidance to improve your at-home oral care."

Inside the application, you receive daily coaching tips that are tailored to your brushing habits, helping you improve during upcoming sessions. Conveniently, you don't need to have your phone in front of you while brushing. As long as your phone is within Bluetooth range, it will capture your session. Although you won't get real-time guidance, you will still receive information about brushing duration and pressure. We also noted the app's accuracy to be excellent, which was not consistently the case with other Bluetooth-enabled toothbrushes we tested. Within the app, you can also configure a brush head reminder and participate in different challenges to ensure you're getting the highest quality oral care.

Even though it is considerably more expensive than most of the brushes we evaluated, the package includes four brush heads, a magnetic charger that requires only three hours to fully charge, and a travel case. The travel case also has its own plug for convenient charging while traveling.

If you're searching for a toothbrush that accurately monitors your brushing routine, this is definitely our top choice among the smart electric toothbrushes we evaluated. Individuals who require assistance while brushing or have particular oral health objectives will really appreciate this model. However, if you don't think you'll make use of many of its features or don't need guided brushing, and prefer not to carry your phone into the bathroom, then you might not need to invest in such a costly toothbrush.

If you're unsure, you can test the Oral-B iO Series 9 toothbrush for 60 days and if you're not satisfied, you'll get a complete refund.

Top electric toothbrush for traveling:Philips One by Sonicare

The Philips One by Sonicare is narrow and extremely small. It includes a snug case that fits the brush perfectly and occupies very little space in your...toiletry bag, making it a great travel companion. Additionally, it is available in seven colors, helping each member of your family easily recognize their own toothbrush.

One of the standout features of this toothbrush is its rechargeable battery, which can last up to 30 days—twice or even three times longer than most other electric toothbrushes we evaluated. This extended battery life means you can travel without concern for your toothbrush losing power. If you prefer not to deal with charging, you might consider choosing a different option.battery-powered model of the Philips One toothbrushThe toothbrush functions in the same way, but it uses a single AAA battery that typically lasts around 90 days.

No charging base is provided with the rechargeable model; the toothbrush is charged using a USB-C cable, allowing you to use the same charger you typically use for phones, computers, and other electronics. Therefore, even though a USB-C charger is included with the Philips One toothbrush, if you forget it at home, there's a good chance you'll have another one in your bag or might be able to borrow one from the hotel front desk. A four-level battery indicator shows how much power remains, and a full charge takes approximately eight hours.

Even though the brush doesn't notify you about pressure like the Sonicare 4100, it includes a two-minute timer that signals every 30 seconds to prompt you to switch to the next area of your mouth. Similar to the bigger Philips models, you can also stop the toothbrush for up to 30 seconds and the timer will continue from where it was paused.

We found the detachable brush head to be quite comparable to a manual brush, featuring W-shaped bristles that allowed us to reach narrow areas. (Philips does not provide any other brushes like this one, unlike what it offers for its primary Sonicare line.) The bristles were soft and mild, leaving our teeth feeling exceptionally clean and significantly better than with a manual toothbrush.

How we tested

To assist in identifying the top choices, we selected 10 of the most popular and highly-rated electric toothbrushes, available from as low as $26 up to over $300. We thoroughly went through the entire brushing process with each electric toothbrush—multiple times—and evaluated all their features. We brushed in every possible manner to genuinely test them while comparing their overall performance and effectiveness.

Throughout many brushing sessions, we evaluated all the brushes across the following areas.

Installation and setup

• Battery type: We examined if each brush operated on a standard battery or a rechargeable one, and whether it came with a base or a charging cable. We tested the duration the brush could function on a single charge or after replacing the battery.
• Brush head variety: We also examined the types of brush heads included with the toothbrushes, the variety of replacement heads available, and how simple it was to change them.
• Companion apps and connectivity: For the brushes that utilized companion apps and had Bluetooth connectivity, we evaluated how straightforward it was to connect, create an account, and begin using the application. We also examined the app's accuracy for the smart toothbrushes that were connected, verifying if the recordings of our brushing sessions aligned with our notes.
• Design: We also examined the design, evaluating whether the brushes came with cases or covers for the brush heads for storage and transport, as well as well-constructed bases for use in a bathroom, and reviewed the overall handling.

Performance

• Timer options: We searched for brushes that included an automated two-minute timer, considered the most beneficial feature by the dental professionals we consulted. We also sought 30-second quadrant timers, which encourage moving the brush to ensure full coverage of the mouth.
• Brushing modes: We examined if a pressure sensor indicator (which alerts you when you're brushing too hard or too softly) was included, and tested all the brushing modes and intensity settings where available. Additionally, we focused on how the brushes felt during use and how clean our mouths felt afterward.

Maintenance

• Maintenance needs: We examined how frequently brush heads should be replaced and how simple it was to clean each brush. We also considered the price of replacement brush heads, whether they worked with generic alternatives for a lower cost, and the availability of subscription services.
• Warranty: We also observed if a satisfaction guarantee or warranty was provided, and whether the brushes we evaluated had received theSeal of Approval from the American Dental Association (ADA).

All you need to know about electric toothbrushes

Most dentists and the ADAencourage all adults and children to brush their teeth for two minutes, twice daily, in order to properly eliminate plaque.Dr. Andrea Zandona, professor and chair of the Department of Comprehensive Care at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, stated that this duration of fluoride toothpaste use "is crucial for obtaining the maximum benefits in preventing cavities."

Even though you can brush for two minutes using a manual toothbrush, electric models come with built-in timers, pressure alerts, and multiple brushing settings that could assist you in cleaning your teeth and gums more effectively, and importantly, simplify the process of maintaining good brushing habits. No matter what your dental care requirements or objectives are, it's worthwhilecreating space in your bathroomfor an electric toothbrush (and possibly a)water flossertoo). Even if you are questioninghow to achieve brighter teeth at home, an electric toothbrush can be beneficial.

The ADAindicates that this is even more true for individuals with physical coordination difficulties — including children, those with disabilities, or older adults — as well as those who use dental devices like braces.

Nevertheless, the dental experts we spoke with emphasized that an electric toothbrush won't handle everything on its own. You still need to use it properly, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle relative to your teeth and gums, and carefully moving the brush head with enough pressure to clean all areas of each tooth.

Amy King, a licensed dental hygienist at Chestnut Dental Associates in Needham, Massachusetts, notes that she observes significant improvements in the oral health of patients who utilize electric toothbrushes, as long as they use them properly and select the right settings. She reports "less inflammation and less bleeding," and adds that "in certain instances, individuals who use electric toothbrushes and confess to not flossing often have gums that appear just as healthy, if not healthier, compared to those who floss regularly."

We recognized several functions that were crucial throughout our testing. Below is an explanation of each feature and factors to keep in mind when purchasing an electric toothbrush.

Built-in timer

As we discovered, brushing your teeth for a full two minutes is essential. Luckily, each toothbrush we evaluated had a built-in two-minute timer, ensuring we didn't cut our brushing short. Moreover, several toothbrushes feature a 30-second vibration reminder that signals you to switch to the next section of your mouth, helping you clean all areas effectively. Most toothbrushes, although not all, let you pause the timer for up to 30 seconds without restarting it.

Pressure sensor

The amount of pressure you use while brushing might not be something you consciously think about. According to Zandona, using excessive force on your teeth and gums can wear away tooth enamel, lead to gum recession, and damage your toothbrush. Dr. Evan Novick, an endodontic specialist at Novick Endodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina, says, "Several studies have shown that any pressure beyond light can be harmful, and a pressure indicator on a toothbrush is very helpful for patients." Fortunately, many electric toothbrushes can alert you when you're pressing too hard.

Brushing modes

All electric toothbrushes come with a brush head that vibrates or pulses, although some provide various brushing settings: gum health, sensitivity, whitening, professional clean, and others. Depending on the model, these modes might adjust the intensity for different brushing needs, or, in higher-end models like the Philips Sonicare 6100 and Oral-B iO Series 9, they can alter the pattern of the brush's rotating or pulsating movement. These are meant to be used with replacement brush heads designed specifically for those motions.

In any case, these settings allow you to customize your brushing routine according to your specific requirements. Novick mentions that he believes only a few of the brushing modes offer genuine advantages. For instance, the gentle mode is suitable for individuals with sensitive gums or during a temporary period following a dental treatment. However, he has not observed any changes in tooth color among patients who have used the whitening modes on their electric toothbrushes.

Intensity levels

Many electric toothbrushes provide various intensity settings. This enables you to choose between low, medium, or high power, which affects the speed of the brush head's rotation or vibration. These settings are different from "modes," which can alter the movement pattern of the brush head.

Several dental professionals favor adjustable power settings, as they enable first-time users of electric toothbrushes to gradually adapt to the sensation. Ana Perez, a registered dental hygienist from Chestnut Dental Associates, mentioned that this feature "assists patients with sensitive teeth or gum recession/root exposure by allowing the toothbrush to be gentler or slower in those areas while still efficiently removing plaque and biofilm."

Smart features

Some more recent, premium toothbrushes allow you to link up with a mobile application, which walks you through your brushing routine. The concept is that, with continued use, the input provided will enable you to improve your brushing technique. Most applications also track information from your session, such as the duration of your brushing and the specific areas of your mouth that were overlooked.

King believes these applications can be highly useful for individuals aiming to enhance their dental hygiene. "Utilizing an electric toothbrush app is akin to having a personal brushing instructor, enabling the user to refine their brushing technique and habits comfortably within the privacy of their home," she stated. Although she has observed significant interest, she has found that these apps are not suitable for everyone. Many of her patients use their electric toothbrushes daily, yet they frequently discontinue using the related applications.

King and a number of other dental hygienists also found it beneficial when patients provided their past brushing records, so it's worth inquiring with your dentist's office to see if this could be helpful for them.

Other electric toothbrushes we evaluated

Oral-B Pro 1000

A budget-friendly choice featuring a rotating brush head, but it is missing certain functions and offers a more intense cleaning sensation.

From $40 at Amazon

$40 at Target

$40 at Walmart

The Oral-B Pro 1000 is priced similarly to our top choice, the Philips Sonicare 4100, and is made by a reputable company, yet it provides fewer beneficial features for the same cost. The brush includes an oscillating head, but we noticed the pressure was excessive. Moreover, the toothbrush was extremely noisy and resembled the sound of a freight train in the bathroom.

Similar to many other electric toothbrushes, it features a two-minute timer with 30-second alerts, but once the two minutes have passed, the toothbrush will continue to operate. This is beneficial for individuals who want to brush for an extended period, though you need to manually turn it off once you're done.

This toothbrush includes one cross-action brush head but works with a variety of other Oral-B brush heads — like those designed for flossing, sensitivity, and detailed cleaning. You can buy afive-pack of replacement bristle headsslightly more than $5 per person, or there are subscription plans available fromOral-B directly, although we found them to be considerably less expensive on Amazon. There are also numerousgeneric brush heads for this toothbrush, which may cost less, as little as $1 to $2 per person.

At this price, we would prefer a more prominent pressure sensor indicator (there is no visible light, only a tactile response) and various intensity settings. The pressure sensor stops the oscillation when you brush too hard, which you may not even realize, and it doesn't provide any signals like a vibrating handle, a beeping sound, or a light on the handle, which are common in other toothbrushes. A full charge only lasts 10 days, which is shorter than most others we tested.

Oral-B iO Series 2

A freshly introduced toothbrush from the Oral-B line, this offers an excellent choice at an attractive cost. A highly user-friendly brush packed with numerous features.

$45 at Target

$61 at Amazon

$60 at Walmart

The Oral-B iO Series 2 has a comparable appearance and touch to one of our previous top choices, theOral-B iO Series 9but at a much more affordable cost. This recently launched toothbrush is very simple to operate thanks to its single power button. Along with three distinct mode options, the toothbrush features a pulsating two-minute timer (with 30-second pulsing reminders for each quadrant) and a pressure sensor indicator.

However, unlike the Oral-B iO Series 9, it's difficult to determine which mode you're using. This is because when switching to a different mode, the power button (used to change the setting) illuminates with one, two, or three green flashes, and there is no label on the toothbrush showing the current selection.

This toothbrush is also compatible with all Oral-B iO replacement brush heads. However, even though it uses the same brush head as the Series 9 toothbrush, we noticed that the Series 2 toothbrush didn't provide as smooth of a sensation. The vibration was slightly stronger, resulting in more noise during brushing.

Even though there are some differences when compared to the Series 9 toothbrush, the typical user may not require or be interested in the extra features. This makes the Oral-B iO Series 2 a great choice for individuals transitioning from a manual toothbrush to an electric one, particularly if you favor an oscillating brush head. Additionally, there is a 60-day guarantee, giving you the opportunity to determine if the toothbrush suits your needs.

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

Although it was the priciest toothbrush we evaluated, this is an excellent choice for those who are dedicated to using a smart toothbrush.

From $300 at Amazon

$300 at Target

The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige, the company's newest high-end smart toothbrush, features just one button, with all other functions available exclusively through the accompanying app. We found the app easy to navigate and useful, offering a straightforward design for monitoring your brushing habits and providing ample real-time guidance on the pressure and movement you're applying (and should be applying). It effectively tracked our motions and provided valuable feedback, although we felt that the brush encouraged greater dependence on the phone compared to other smart brushes we evaluated.

The Sonicare 9900 Prestige provides three levels of intensity and five various cleaning modes, along with adjustable vibration alerts that help prevent excessive scrubbing or pressure. Although the app only monitors your progress when it's active during brushing, the toothbrush retains your preferences between sessions, so you don't need to reconfigure everything every time.

The design simplifies cleaning, and the brush includes a slim leather travel case along with a USB-C charging cable, making it convenient to carry the toothbrush while traveling. It features an all-purpose brush head, but it works with various Philips Sonicare heads available in the market.

We enjoyed using this toothbrush, but we would only suggest it if you are highly dedicated to smart features and intend to always — and we really meanalways— keep your phone nearby while brushing your teeth. However, if you are committed to dental care and seeking the most accurate feedback, this app provides exactly that.

Hum by Colgate

This thin and stylish toothbrush is ideal for individuals with limited space on their bathroom counter.

$49 at Best Buy

The Hum by Colgate features one of the most streamlined designs, with a narrow handle and compact base. Visually, it's a pleasing addition near the bathroom sink, and there are several color choices to match your bathroom style. It's also very lightweight, making it easier to use when brushing your teeth.

The brush provides three distinct power settings and comes with a matching application to monitor how often, how long, and how effectively you brush. We noticed, though, that although the tracking of how often and how long you brush was accurate, it sometimes failed to properly recognize which part of your mouth was being cleaned. We did like some of the app's additional features. These consist of using the brush's sensors to receive instant feedback on your technique. It also recognized when you deviated from maintaining the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.

We weren't as fond of the shape and size of the brush head compared to the Philips Sonicare models, but we liked the included tongue cleaner on the back of the brush. Although a regular toothbrush can also clean your tongue, we found the specialized brush more effective, as it reached the crevices on my tongue more easily and gave me a better sense of thorough cleaning.

We evaluated the rechargeable model of this toothbrush, but there is also a more affordable optionbattery-operatedA version is available. The design remains the same, and the functionality is comparable, except it provides only two intensity settings instead of three.

Philips Sonicare 6100

Like our top choice, the Philips Sonicare 4100, but with additional options. It's an ideal choice if you want a specific brushing style.

From $109 at Amazon

$110 at Target

$110 at Best Buy

The Philips Sonicare 6100 is an upgrade from the Philips Sonicare 4100, featuring a comparable design and user experience. The primary distinction is that the 6100 model provides three intensity settings and three distinct modes: the standard clean mode, along with whitening and gum care, which feature varying brush head movements and automatically adjust the timer. For optimal performance with these modes, Philips recommends buying brush heads specifically created for them.

Similar to the 4100 model, the Philips Sonicare 6100 includes a two-minute timer along with a 30-second interval reminder (which can be paused), a pressure sensor alert, a notification for replacing the brush head, a battery life of 14 days, and a two-year warranty.

The Philips Sonicare includes a travel case that is quite spacious, yet it can accommodate the toothbrush along with two brush heads.

Even though this toothbrush includes a few more features compared to the 4100 model, it's more than twice as expensive, so we felt it doesn't provide enough improvements to justify the higher price. That said, if you're specifically in need of a toothbrush that focuses on whitening your teeth or maintaining gum health, this model does offer those capabilities.

Quip Sonic Toothbrush

Quip offers an improvement over a manual toothbrush, as it features a single intensity level and the pressure is too mild for most users.

From $38 at Amazon

$30 at Getquip

The Quip Sonic Toothbrush subscription model resembles a regular manual toothbrush, but according to our tests, it offers only a minor improvement. Although it vibrates, the intensity is lower than other brushes we evaluated, and we found the pressure insufficient, prompting us to use a conventional scrubbing technique. If you prefer a milder brushing experience, this could suit your needs, but we think most people will be underwhelmed, particularly given that there's only one power setting available.

The Quip doesn't offer multiple settings, adjustable power levels, or additional features found in more advanced brushes. However, unlike a regular toothbrush, it includes a built-in two-minute timer along with 30-second reminders to help you brush for the correct duration.

We evaluated the "smart" version of the Quip (there are more affordable alternatives without smart features), which connects to an app to monitor details like brushing time, area coverage, strokes, and pressure, notifying you if you're brushing too hard or too quickly. Despite its limitations, we found it highly precise in collecting data. Additionally, you can accumulate Quip points for brushing your teeth, which can be exchanged for rewards such as discounts on refills.

In contrast to other toothbrushes we evaluated, the Quip uses a single AAA battery instead of a rechargeable battery. This is convenient when traveling or if you have limited access to electrical outlets, as the battery typically lasts around 90 days.

A $5 fee paid every three months provides you with a new brush head and an AAA battery. You also have the option to purchase just the brush head and battery for the same cost, but the subscription includes a lifetime warranty for the toothbrush (which is not available with a one-time purchase), making it a more advantageous choice. You are able to terminate your subscription or skip a delivery whenever you want.

Quip Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush

This device is comparable to the previously mentioned Quip Sonic Toothbrush, but it uses a charging cable for power rather than batteries. Additionally, its battery life is remarkably long, lasting three months, which is the longest we have seen among the toothbrushes we tested.

From $45 at Quip

The Quip smart toothbrush features a rechargeable model that uses a built-in battery rather than a AAA battery. The manufacturer states that an eight-hour charge can provide power for up to three months — a much longer lifespan compared to other toothbrushes we evaluated (the Philips One by Sonicare comes in second with 70 days, while most others only last a week or two). If you're going on a long trip or your bathroom setup makes charging difficult, being able to charge your toothbrush just once every three months could be very convenient.

The brushing effectiveness is the same as its battery-operated counterpart; we didn't detect any variations. Likewise, if yousubscribe for $7 quarterly, you'll receive a new brush head every three months, similar to the battery-operated model, although you won't get a replacement battery.

A charger is included, featuring a cable with a small magnetic connector that attaches to the toothbrush, while the other end connects to a USB port or wall charger (not supplied). The brush stand includes a gap at the bottom, allowing the toothbrush to be charged while it's in the holder. This is a very organized setup. However, the charging connection is unique to the product, meaning if you lose the cable or forget it at home during travel, you won't be able to charge the toothbrush until you get a replacement.

A rechargeable Quip is pricier than the battery-operated version, but with just a slight increase in cost, we believe the convenience of recharging makes it a worthwhile investment. The charging cable allows you to keep your brush fully charged, so you're always ready for a trip. However, if you often lose items or forget them, the battery-powered model could be a better choice. After all, AAA batteries are easy to find.

Aquasonic Black Series Advanced Teeth Whitening Brush

The set includes eight brush heads and a travel case, providing all the essentials for more than two years of electric toothbrush use. The toothbrush has various settings, although we would prefer it to include a pressure indicator.

From $40 at Amazon

$40 at Walmart

$42 at Best Buy

Among the most affordable electric toothbrushes we evaluated, the Aquasonic Black Series toothbrush comes with eight brush heads and a travel case. This ensures you can brush for over two years without needing to buy extra brush heads, offering considerable savings. Keep in mind that the included brush heads are somewhat smaller, but they offer a mild sensation along the gum line.

The toothbrush provides four distinct brushing modes: gentle, clean, whitening, and massage. Changing between these modes is simple, thanks to an indicator on the brush that clearly displays the current mode. Additionally, there is a battery life indicator that shows how much power remains, which is particularly useful for travelers.

Like most other toothbrushes, it also includes a built-in two-minute timer (with 30-second pulsing reminders for each quadrant), and once the two minutes have passed, the toothbrush will turn off automatically, signaling the end of your brushing session. However, this model does not have a pressure sensor, a feature that dentists often advise and is included in our top overall toothbrush choice, thePhilips Sonicare 4100.

If you're searching for a soft toothbrush that offers various settings and can be used both at home and while traveling, the Aquasonic Black Series toothbrush is an excellent choice at a budget-friendly cost.

Sonic Toothbrush Created by Dentists

Featuring an impressive 70-day battery life, you won't need to worry about recharging the brush for a long time, making it an excellent choice for travel. The brush heads were also the smallest we evaluated, which may be seen as an advantage or disadvantage based on individual preferences.

$100 at Target

This toothbrush was created by two dentists aiming to enhance the brushing process. Similar to many other toothbrushes we evaluated, it includes a two-minute timer (with 30-second alerts for each section of the mouth) and various mode options (clean, whitening, and sensitive).

The attached brush heads were among the tiniest we evaluated, and while we found that they allowed us to clean our teeth effectively by reaching those difficult areas, others may find the size too diminutive for their preference.

The toothbrush includes a travel case, allowing you to conveniently carry your electric toothbrush with you, particularly because the manufacturer claims a battery life of up to 70 days, which is much longer than typical.

Although we appreciated the lightweight build, the battery life indicator, and the clearly differentiated settings, at this price, we would have also preferred to see essential features like a pressure sensor.

Brightline Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush

The Brightline Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush provides a basic electric toothbrush experience without costing much. Its limited features make it user-friendly, and it includes affordable replacement brush heads through a subscription service.

$30 at Brightline

The Brightline Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush is straightforward in its design. Even though it was among the most affordable toothbrushes we evaluated, it performed well in basic functions, offering a suitable choice for individuals looking to experience an electric toothbrush without a high cost. We discovered that the toothbrush could reach narrow areas between our teeth and the vibration level was ideal. Our teeth felt exceptionally clean, and after multiple uses, the bristles remained completely undamaged.

The Brightline lets you change the intensity to a level that suits your preference. Unlike certain other toothbrushes, there is no visual indicator showing whether you are on a high or low setting, so you need to press and hold the power button until you reach the desired intensity. Luckily, the toothbrush keeps track of your preferred vibration level for your next use. Similar to many other toothbrushes, it includes a built-in two-minute timer along with a 30-second reminder for each quadrant. However, it lacks a pause-and-resume function as well as a pressure sensor. It also doesn't offer various head options and is somewhat larger than typical models, but it performs effectively at a reasonable cost.

Nevertheless, the toothbrush is currently not available for purchase on Brightline's website or third-party sellers like Amazon. However, it seems to still be in production, so we can expect it to be available for sale again soon.

Editor’s Note: We had previously evaluated the Oral-B Genius 6000, but it is now no longer available and has been taken out of this article.

FAQs

Meet our experts

This article benefited from the input of several professionals who provided their expertise on effective brushing techniques, factors to keep in mind when purchasing an electric toothbrush, the types of features to prioritize, and which brushing settings are most beneficial.

• Amy King, licensed dental hygienist at Chestnut Dental Associates in Needham, Massachusetts
• Dr. Evan Novick, endodontic specialist at Novick Endodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Ana Perez, licensed dental hygienist at Chestnut Dental Associates in Needham, Massachusetts
• Dr. Andrea Zandona, professor and head of the Department of Comprehensive Care at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored rigorously evaluates every product we feature and openly shares our testing methods. We have a skilled team of writers and editors with extensive experience in product testing, ensuring that each article is meticulously reviewed and every product is thoroughly examined.

This guide was written by Jennifer Yellin, who has extensive experience evaluating various oral care products, including water flossers, toothbrushes, and, for this particular guide, electric toothbrushes. Yellin has been responsible for this guide over the years and regularly tests new items to add in upcoming revisions.

Note: The prices mentioned above represent the amounts listed by retailers at the time of this publication.

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